Whilst the PDA welcomed this consultation, it noted that although this is the latest in a series of EDI plans or policies from the GPhC which have been in place since 2010, the proposals do not appear to acknowledge or refer to any previous strategies, or whether these made any demonstrable progress.
The latest strategy is set around 3 proposed themes each with underlying objectives and outcomes.
The 3 themes stated are:
- To make regulatory decisions that are demonstrably fair, lawful, and so free from discrimination and bias
- To use our standards to proactively help tackle discrimination in all pharmacy settings and to make sure everyone can access person-centred care, fostering equality of health outcomes
- To lead by example and demonstrate best practice within our organisation, holding ourselves to the same high standards we expect of others.
The PDA’s response was informed by the results of a recent survey and the following recommendations made are based on the views expressed by PDA members:
- The GPhC should set and publish measurable targets to measure progress on the strategy
- The GPhC should constitute a credible external reference group for oversight, and which would monitor and report annually on progress made
- The GPhC should demonstrably engage with registrants and stakeholders to inform them about the progress in the EDI strategy and the resulting impacts.
The PDA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the consultation and offers support and assistance to the GPhC to help ensure that it makes progress in these areas.
Read the full PDA response here:
Read the GPhC’s consultation document here:
The consultation closed on 12 July 2021.
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